Pakistan’s dependence on foreign goods has increased significantly during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, with total imports crossing $45 billion, according to official data.
The figures show a sharp rise in imports of luxury goods such as smart mobile phones and vehicles, while the country’s reliance on imported food items has also grown despite Pakistan being an agricultural economy.
Documents show that foreign imports increased by 8.21%, with the overall import bill exceeding $45 billion from July to February.
During the same period last year, imports were lower, meaning the country spent an additional $3.459 billion on imports in the first eight months of the fiscal year.
Analysts say the increase reflects growing demand for imported goods across multiple sectors.
Smartphones, cars dominate import growth
One of the most notable increases was recorded in the import of smart mobile phones and luxury vehicles.
According to the report, mobile phones worth $1.29 billion were imported between July and February, marking a 30% increase compared to the previous year.
Imports of luxury cars surged by 126%, reaching more than $1.53 billion. Overall transport-related imports, including cars, rose by 87% to $2.58 billion during the same period.
Officials noted that imports of mobile phones and cars alone were worth more than one tranche of Pakistan’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Food imports increase despite agricultural economy
Despite being widely considered an agricultural country, Pakistan’s food import bill also increased sharply. Food imports rose by 18.42%, reaching $6.41 billion during the first eight months of the fiscal year.
Compared to the previous year, the country imported about $1 billion more in food items.
The increase was recorded in imports of sugar, dried fruits, tea, spices, soybeans and palm oil, highlighting the country’s growing dependence on imported food products.
Machinery, metal imports also rise
Imports of machinery and equipment also recorded noticeable growth. According to the data, total machinery imports increased by 11.73% to $6.98 billion. Imports of agricultural equipment and machinery rose by 9.25%, pushing the total above $7 billion.
Meanwhile, imports of precious metals and industrial materials such as iron, steel and aluminum increased by 17%.
The total value of metal imports reached $4.39 billion between July and February, according to the report.
Petroleum imports decline slightly
In contrast to the rise in many other categories, imports of petroleum products declined by 6.35% during the eight-month period.
However, the overall value remained high, with petroleum products worth more than $10 billion imported from July to February.
The data also showed a decrease in imports related to the textile sector. Textile imports fell by 7.18%, with the total volume recorded at $4.44 billion during the first eight months of the fiscal year.
Trade deficit widens sharply
The surge in imports has contributed to a widening trade imbalance.
According to the report, Pakistan’s trade deficit increased by 25%, reaching more than $25 billion during the eight-month period.
Experts say the rising dependence on imported goods -- particularly luxury items and food products -- could put further pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.
